I walk down the path that leads to the forest. As I walk, I glance from side to side. Is that white teeth that shine in the moonlight, or just the moonlight splashing on a leaf? I do not know. All I know is that my village has for the past few weeks been invaded by wolves, who appeared out of the forest to attack the villagers. Some were torn apart and feasted on, the wolves lapping up their blood and devouring their warm flesh. All who fought the wolves were soon bested. The wolves are too strong to fight; I know this to be true.

But I have a better idea. It has been written that she who goes to face the wolves will be the one who survives the killings. This is what I must do to survive, no matter what. I reach a clearing in the forest, with a still pool. A white flash, seen out of the corner of my eye. The moonlight again? No, it is a white wolf with glowing yellow eyes, the alpha of the pack. I know what I have to do. I walk towards him, and put my arms around his furry neck in an embrace. I rub my cheek against his, and caress his softly furred head. He looks me in the eyes and we understand each other.

I have no loyalty for those in my village, the ones who shunned me and turned away when all I wanted was love. This is how I will repay them; by becoming one with those who will welcome and accept me. The wolf bites into my shoulder. It hurts but it is a glad pain, and I submit to it, throwing my head back in ectasy. It takes a long time, but eventually it is over, and I stand up. Now I am on four strong legs rather than two weak human ones. I turn to see my reflection in the pool; I am a silver wolf, with a black ruff around my neck and a white tip to my tail. I am far more beautiful as a wolf than I ever was as a human.

The other wolves howl in savage welcome as I become one of the pack. I turn my face towards the road where the village lies. I can see it much more clearly now, with the new senses I have been gifted. I only wait for the okay from the white wolf, the alpha. He gives it with a savage howl, and as one, the pack with I among them, race along the road. This will finish it once and for all, recreate the village as a ghost town, inhabited only by restless spirits. I am ready for the reckoning.